Record Bandsaw Guides

[woodpig]

Hi, newbie (on this forum anyway!) here.

I'm thinking of buying my first bandsaw (Record BS300E) and wondered if any of you guys have upgraded the blade guides to the ball bearing type? Was it worth doing and did it improve the saw?

I have the facility to make my own guides if I need to so availability is not an issue.

Thanks in advance.

 

[woodstainwilly]

Bearing guides are good providing you keep them set just right.
Just a tad tight and they will burn out in no time.
Willy.

 

[OPJ]

Just had a quick look on Google and it looks as though the standard bearings included with this saw are quite similar to the ones that are fitted to Startrite machines. I've had my Startrite 401e bandsaw for over eighteen-months and I really like them. Unlike some of the cheaper, metal-shielded bearings (as commonly found on many other bandsaws), they have not yet shown any signs of clogging or seizing with dust (of course, upgrading to rubber-sealed bearings would improve that). The Record and Startrite bearings are also very easy to fine adjust. Most others require the use of an allen key and, you have to physically move them with your fingers. On my bandsaw, you only need to wind (turn) the screw to move them closer to or further away from the blade.

In my opinion, you could spend the same money on a bandsaw from a different manufacturer and the bearings would be inferior, by comparison.

Hope this helps.

 

[Silverbirch]

When I bought my BS300,(at a show) the Record rep told me that the guides on the BS300 machine (ie Startrite type) were an improvement on my previous Record bandsaw, which had ball bearing guides. Not sure if it was just part of the sales pitch, rather than fact, but they are certainly sturdy and easy to adjust.

Ian

 

[woodpig]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll put the bearing idea on the back burner then until/if I think I actually need them! I had planned to give the standard ones some good use first anyway, it's just that some folks seem to think the ball bearing type are an "upgrade" - maybe just third party manufacturers?! :lol: